What Isn't Reopening In Ohio In Coming Weeks

COLUMBUS, OH — On Monday, Gov. Mike DeWine unveiled his much-discussed plan to gradually reopen sectors of Ohio's economy. His phased approach to reopening includes plans for construction, offices, distribution, dentists and more. The plan also excludes several industries.

While DeWine's plan includes a bevy of companies, the governor also indicated which businesses will not yet reopen. He said the state will look at how many new coronavirus cases emerge after the reopening before making further decisions on how to move forward.

Here are the organizations and industries that will specifically not be allowed to reopen yet:

• Schools
• Dine-in restaurants and bars
• Personal appearance and beauty parlors
• Older adult day care services and senior centers
• Adult day support or vocational rehabilitation services in group settings
• Entertainment, recreation and gyms

DeWine said the current ban on social gatherings of 10 or more people will remain in place past May 1. Sporting events and concerts will not move forward.

The current reopening plan looks like this:

• May 1 — There will be an opening of health care facilities around Ohio. All procedures or operations that do not require an overnight stay in a hospital will be able to move forward, DeWine said. Dentists and veterinarians can also resume all of their work.
• May 4 — General offices, manufacturing, distribution and construction will be opened up.
• May 12 — Consumer retail and services can reopen.

"But we're going to require those who are opening - and those who already have been open - to follow strict guidelines on how to reopen," DeWine said.

Every employee and customer at an open business will have to wear a face covering, there must be daily health evaluations of employees, good hygiene practices must be followed, limited capacity in buildings and regular cleaning of all surfaces. If an employee tests positive for COVID-19, that must be reported to the local health department. If possible, the floor should be shut down for a deep cleaning.